Plus, optimism for small business owners.
 
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Sunrise 7:08 a.m. | Sunset 7:25 p.m.
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From our friends at WCNC

 
🗳️ Chugging closer to a vote
A redline train on the tracks
This could be how you commute through Mecklenburg County. | Photos via City of Charlotte
Mecklenburg County voted 6-3 last night at its Board of County Commissioners meeting to move forward with a proposed 1-cent sales tax referendum. This effort aims to support future transit projects in the area — the board estimated this tax could bring in $345 million in one year. Particularly, it could support Charlotte Area Transit System’s Red Line commuter rail project.

Before you vote

The county’s approval marks the second time the drafted bill passed a vote — Charlotte City Council approved it earlier this month. However, the end goal is clear: let Mecklenburg County voters decide on the sales tax referendum.

Before it gets on the ballot, the bill will need to receive approval from North Carolina’s legislature. If it’s passed by the state, the proposal could be voted on as soon as 2025.

Redline Map | CLTtoday

The proposed Red Line route.

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Photo via WCNC

Tax increase benefits

Under the current draft, only 40% of tax revenue will support the new rail transit project, but the effort has recently been moving forward. The City of Charlotte purchased the 22-mile Red Line tracks from Norfolk Southern in a $74 million deal that was finalized earlier this month. The transit system aims to connect Uptown Charlotte to areas like Cornelius and Davidson — potentially even Mt. Mourne in Moorseville.

This month’s deal also included the purchase of a 1.6-acre plot of land near the site of the forthcoming Charlotte Gateway Station. This proposed transit hub is a critical piece of the Charlotte Area’s 2030 transit plan, an effort to improve mobility as the local population grows to an anticipated 2.5 million by the end of this decade.

The remaining 60% of funding will be put toward maintaining and developing roads and buses. The draft also proposes Mecklenburg County creates a transit authority to oversee its transportation systems.
 
Buffalo Groupe
 
Events
 
Wednesday, Sept. 18
  • Heart Breaker: A Heart and Led Zeppelin Tribute | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 7 p.m. | Middle C Jazz Club | $35 | The North Carolina-based act honors two iconic rock bands in one show.
  • “The Drowsy Chaperone” | Wednesday, Sept. 18-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | Theatre Charlotte | $20+ | It’s the final week to catch the Tony Award-winning show honoring the golden age of musical theater.
Thursday, Sept. 19
  • Craig Conant | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Comedy Zone | $30 | The comedian and podcaster — honored as an “Unrepped New Face” at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal — hits the stage.
  • Hootie & the Blowfish | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 7 p.m. | PNC Music Pavilion | $55+ | The rock group performs for their “Summer Camp with Trucks Tour” with guests Collective Soul and Edwin McCain.
Friday, Sept. 20
  • All American Reptile and Plant Expo | Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22 | Times vary | The Park Expo and Conference Center | $15+ | Slither into this scaly, leafy expo showcasing 400+ vendors.
  • Friday Night: Sip + See | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Real African Art Gallery | $10 | Explore African sculptures, paintings, masks, jewelry, and more as you sip wine — two glasses included with your ticket.
Saturday, Sept. 21
  • Triple C’s 12 Year Anniversary Party | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 12-10 p.m. | Triple C Brewing Company | Cost of purchase | Celebrate 12 years with live music, a backyard barbecue, a makers market, and a special beer release.
  • Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 4 p.m. | Bank of America Stadium | $30+ | Kick it with the local soccer team, plus arrive early for Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and a bucket hat giveaway while supplies last.
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Empire Communities
 
News Notes
 
Festival
  • Festival in the Park returns for its 60th year at Freedom Park Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22. The celebration features 200+ artists, live music, food and drinks, and a family fun zone. (WCNC)
Biz
  • Piedmont Natural Gas customers can expect rate increases starting in November. The average customer’s monthly bill will go up $7.50 — roughly $90 annually. The agreement was made in response to a rate increase proposal in April and allows a 9.8% return on equity.
Development
  • The Charlotte Hornets are one step closer to getting a new practice center. Charlotte City Council voted to rezone 1.9 acres of an underutilized site in Charlotte City Center. The $100+ million training facility is eyeing completion in 2026, pending another rezoning vote. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Open
  • Let us paint the picture — Charlotte’s first graffiti park has debuted. The TAOH Outdoor Gallery is open at 2200 N. Brevard St., encouraging artists to spray their creativity in a dedicated space. The park is open 24/7, with nighttime lighting for late night sessions. (WSOC)
Seasonal
  • We’re starting to see fall colors, but are you wondering when peak foliage will be visible in Charlotte? The metro area is expected to be its most colorful after Tuesday, Nov. 5, but western North Carolina is expected to see peak autumn color in early October. (WCNC)
Opening
  • Mama’s Pizza Express’ newest location is opening at 862 Brawley School Rd. in Mooresville on Sunday, Sept. 22 or Monday, Sept. 23. This will be Owner Frank Manis’ fourth location, but he’s already eyeing a fifth restaurant in Troutman. (The Charlotte Observer)
Stat
  • Small business owners in Charlotte are feeling good about the future. According to US Bancorp, 99% of local owners feel optimistic about their companies — 12% higher than the national average. To further the positivity, 98% of local owners viewed their businesses as successful. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Sports
  • Dive into the significance of the Hornets holding training camp at Duke University for the first time since 2019. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Fact or fiction
    • CLT men: A high PSA level means you probably have prostate cancer — fact or fiction? See the answer from a Novant Health urologist.*
    Try This
    • To really supercharge your skin treatments, pair with this new LighStim LED Therapy. The powerful add-on promotes faster healing, reduces inflammation, and smooths fine lines over time. See it in action.*
    Listen
    Coming Soon
    • Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in our city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or upcoming event with our 33,000+ readers.
     
     
    Community
     
    📍 Make room for a third
    The inside of Amelie French Bakery with a cafe counter in the background, people at booths and tables, and chandeliers handing from the ceiling.

    City Editor Jack can always relax at Amelie’s French Bakery.

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    Photo via CLTtoday

    Do you have a third place around Charlotte? Take a moment to reflect. Besides your home (first space) and workplace (second space), where do you go throughout the week? If you don’t have a go-to third spot, we’ve got ideas to help you find one.

    What’s a third place?

    Sociologist Ray Oldenburg wrote about third places in his book “The Great Good Place.” He shares that third places are public, informal gathering spaces you frequent in your community. They’re important for many reasons, especially to promote social vitality + a sense of community.
    City Editor Jack is a fan of relaxing or getting work done at Amelie’s French Bakery and Café. If this feels like your vibe, check out our guide to local coffee shops.

    City Editor Maria takes comfort in axe throwing and enjoys socializing with other throwers. Perhaps that’s not your activity of choice — but you can find a league of like minded folks on Meetup or Adults Play Sports.
     
    Asked
     
    Have you found your “third place” in the Charlotte area?
    A. Yes
    B. No, but I want one
    C. No, and I’m not looking
     
    The Buy
     
    Decorate your space with this year’s trendiest fall decor. Here are five items we just added to our cart:

    🍂 These velvet pumpkins to add festive flair around the house.
    🍂 A hand-crafted wreath boasting beautiful autumn hues.
    🍂 This welcome mat complete with seasonal adornments.
    🍂 A hand-blown glass cup embellished with candy corns.
    🍂 This embroidered table runner to elevate your dining space.
     
    6AM City In-house
     
    The Wrap
     
    Michael Beausoleil Today’s edition by:
    Michael
    From the editor
    Good morning, Charlotte. For some folks, the local library makes the perfect third place because it’s filled with things to learn about. If you’re one of those people, you’ll be happy to know Charlotte Mecklenburg Library regional branches now have Sunday hours.
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